Neurobiology of Dementia

Question 1

What is type of illness is dementia and what does it impair?

Answer 1

A progressive disorder that impair cognition

Question 2

What can be affected by dementia?

Answer 2

• Memory
• Executive functioning
• Social skills
• Visuo-spatial skills
• Language

Question 3

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 3

Dementia is a syndrome used as an umbrella term as it can have many different causes

Alzheimer’s comes under the term dementia

Question 4

What is the cause of Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 4

1) Proteins get misfolded, which leads to them sticking together (cause of misfolding is unknown)
2) These proteins stuck together aggregate to from amyloid structures (can be found within neurons or extracellularly)
3) These amyloid structures are what cause neurodegeneration

Question 5

What process in memory formation is most significantly impaired in Alzheimer’s, and what does this lead to?

Answer 5

Consolidation (STM —> LTM)

Leads to inability to form new memories

Question 6

What other factors can cause impaired consolidation?

Answer 6

Alcohol

Head injury

Question 7

What are some symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

Answer 7

• Apathy (lack of emotion/interest)
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Aggression
• Weight loss

Question 8

What is the aim of the treatment of Alzheimer’s, and what drug can be used?

Answer 8

To alleviate the symptoms since it can’t be cured

Donepezil

Question 9

Why is the incidence of dementia increasing?

Answer 9

Because people are now living to older ages

Question 10

What factors can influence the likelihood of the development of amyloid aggregates in the brain?

Answer 10

• Genetics

- Environment

Question 11

What are some reasons for individuals with dementia not seeking help, and what is one way of potentially addressing these issues??

Answer 11

• Stigma
• Believing it is a natural part of ageing
• Believing that there is nothing that can be done

All can be tackled through education